Goa wants to attract eco-system tourism.
Posted on May 17, 2022 by Ghoomophiro
Goa is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the country – not only for Indians but for people from all over the world. When one thinks of Goa, one naturally thinks of beautiful sun-baked sea beaches. And for good reasons. Its serene sea beaches attract international tourists who feel at home with its English-speaking population and relatively active nightlife in the city. For Indians, particularly the country’s youth, it is the place to party in – particularly during the new year’s eve. There are several opportunities for adventures too – such as one can go river rafting on the Mhadoi river. Thus, tourism is a significant source of the state’s GDP for apparent reasons.
Yet, the state government of Goa is looking for more avenues through which tourism could be encouraged. Having explored the roads for leisure tourism, adventure tourism, historical tourism, and culture tourism, it now also wants to promote eco-system tourism. Though it is the smallest state in the country, it is home to many forests, six wildlife sanctuaries, and a national park that it now wants to use to attract eco-system tourists.
The six wildlife sanctuaries of the state include Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Molem, and Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park from the sole National park in the state.
The state government of Goa will now cover all these Natural heritage spots under a project to encourage eco-system tourism. The state government of Goa will improve its infrastructure, and the government will also see the creation of safe camping areas and jungle trails for visitors.
During its monsoon season, in particular, from Mid June to October, the state witnesses good rains thanks to its proximity to ghats on one side and the Arabic Sea on the other. Thus its natural vegetation – whether it be in National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, or mere forests, turn into a beautiful shade of green, creating an attractive window to attract eco-system tourism.
These new plans will be themed around giving a wholesome wildlife experience to the tourists of these parks – and thus will include seeing wild animals in physical proximity yet in a secure way.
These forest areas are to be a part of the Goan hinterlands. A hInterland is an area away from the coast or any big river or a heavily populated place – thus not likely to be densely populated. In Goa, these areas are mostly covered with thick forests rich in biodiversity. Rich biodiversity means that various plants, animals, and amphibians thrive in these heavily forested areas.
A large part of the hinterland in Goa falls under the Western Ghats, which provide popular spots as birding destinations and herping spots.
Goa is one of the worst-hit states financially speaking since the COVID-19 pandemic. Ever since the union prime minister first started a lockdown to prevent the spreading of COVID-19, the state has seen a decline in tourists, mainly international tourists. That was a point of major crisis for a state that relies on tourism and hospitality industries to contribute up to one-fifth of its Domestic Net Product (NDP); the situation is likely to be much better this year as the number of COVID-19 cases is declining all over the world and vaccination campaigns have been a success. The governments of the world’s various countries are opening up themselves, and the industry of tourism is finding its feet again. In such times, the state government of Goa is determined to invest in further efforts to attract both domestic and international tourists.
